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“Do My Feelings Matter?” Teen Art Exhibit

Exhibiting Teen Artwork & Starting Conversations

This May, York County Libraries is hosting its first-ever Teen Art Exhibit! This exhibit is part of YCL’s reimagined Community Conversation series and will be on display at Martin Library from May 2-16, 2025.

We welcome everyone to join us during the Opening Reception (May 2; 5-7pm) and Community Conversation (May 4; 3pm) to celebrate our teen artists

Calling Teen Artists

Teens age 12-18 from York, PA, you are invited to submit your artwork for the juried exhibit by April 11, 2025. 

Artwork Selection & Prizes

Artwork will be reviewed and selected for the exhibit. We strongly encourage all selected artists to attend the Opening Reception on May 2nd!

Four cash prizes will be awarded:

  • 1st: $250
  • 2nd: $200
  • 3rd: $150
  • Viewers’ Favorite: $150

Prizes will be awarded on May 4 during the Community Conversation. Winners will be notified prior to the exhibition and should plan to attend this event.

The Prompt: “Do My Feelings Matter?”

When you read this prompt, what feelings and thoughts come to mind? Do you feel empowered by the emotions you have? How do you let your voice be heard? How can you best support your mental and emotional wellbeing?

Take your thoughts to pen and paper (or watercolor, or oil, or ProCreate – whatever you prefer!) and let your art pieces do the talking for you.

A few things to know:

  • The prompt for the exhibit is “Do My Feelings Matter?” All artwork should reflect this theme.
  • Artwork must be a visual medium. Both physical and digital artwork is accepted.
  • Submitting your artwork does not guarantee it will be shown during the exhibit.
    • Selected artists will be notified by April 18
  • All submitted artwork must be original. We will not accept:
    • Reproductions or copyrighted images
    • AI-generated pieces (Artificial Intelligence)
  • Cash prizes will be awarded

Read our official rules here.

Key Dates

  • April 11: Deadline for submission
  • April 18: Selected artists will be notified
  • April 18-25: Artwork must be delivered to Martin Library
  • May 2, 5-7 PM: Opening Reception at Martin Library
  • May 2-16: Exhibit is open
  • May 4: Award Ceremony & Community Conversation Panel
  • May 17-23: Artwork must be picked up from Martin Library

More about Community Conversations

This Community Conversations series is made possible by the support of the York City Human Relations Committee, as well as the Cultural Alliance and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

Community Conversations provides a space for members of the public to share their experiences, stories, and perspectives on a variety of topics.

Submit your Artwork!

Artist Information

Artist Name(Required)
Fill in this field to receive confirmation that your registration has been successfully submitted. We recommend using a non-school-issued email.

Guardian Information

Guardian Name(Required)
Fill in this field to receive confirmation and your entry was successfully submitted.

Artwork Information

Artwork Dimensions(Required)
Please input the size (in inches) of your piece.
Width
Height
Depth
If your artwork is not for sale, please enter NFS.
Preferred file types: .png, .jpg, .jpeg
Max. file size: 20 MB.

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